Ludhiana, November 24
A four-year-old girl, Manpreet Kaur, who was kidnapped from outside her house in the Janakpuri area yesterday, was killed and her body dumped at a vacant plot in Alamgir Sahib here today.
Commissioner of Police Nirmal Singh Dhillon said the girl was found murdered and the accused, Manoj Kumar, had been arrested.

Sources said the police were verifying the role of the girl's stepmother, Sunita, for alleged connivance with the accused, Manoj, who was living as a tenant at the victim's father's house.

Sunita’s role came under the scanner after the police learnt that she was the victim's stepmother. Gurpreet Singh, the victim's father, had recently sold a property for Rs 15 lakh and Sunita was demanding her share. Sunita, who had two children, had married Gurpreet, who had a four-year-old daughter.

Dhillon said, "We are verifying the details of the case to know the provocation that led to the killing of the child."

The sources said Manpreet Kaur knew Manoj and accompanied him without hesitation. They said Manoj had even visited the house and offered sweets to Sunita’s two children. Later, Manoj took the girl to Alamgir village where he allegedly drowned her in a tubewell, wrapped her body in a piece of cloth and dumped it in a vacant plot.

The gruesome killing came to light after the police arrested Manoj this afternoon.

During interrogation, Manoj confessed that he had killed the girl hours after kidnapping her.

The victim's father, Gurpreet Singh, told the police that he owned a house in Amarpura where Manoj used to stay as a tenant.

Manoj was thrown out of the house four months ago following a dispute. Gurpreet said nearly 10 days ago, he sold his house in the Amarpura area and began living in Janakpuri.

Gurpreet said he learnt about the kidnapping yesterday morning when he received a call from his wife Sunita.

The sources said the police were working on two angles. A police officer said on condition of anonymity that illicit relations and money could be the primary reason behind the girl's killing. "It is unlikely that some dispute led to the killing of the girl," said the police officer.

Manoj knew that Gupreet had recently sold the house and was in possession of a huge sum. Sunita and Manoj connived as they knew that Gurpreet would dole out money to save his daughter Manpreet Kaur.

A pall of gloom descended on Gurpreet's house. Mamta (8) and Rahul (10), both foster siblings of Manpreet Kaur, were in a state of shock. Gurpreet's relatives have demanded capital punishment for the accused.

Meanwhile, the police are awaiting the autopsy report to find out whether the girl was raped or assaulted before being killed.

Tewari warns govt against forcible acquisition of land
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 24
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari today warned the Punjab Government against the "forcible acquisition" of land in nine villages in Ludhiana district along the Sidhwan Canal, Northern Bypass, for setting up an industrial park and a township.

Questioning the very rationale behind setting up the industrial park when the existing industrial areas and industrial focal points were crying for attention and the industry was running away, the Union Minister said even if the state government needed to acquire the land, it should acquire it under the new land acquisition law enacted by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre in the previous session of Parliament.

Tewari, who was in Ludhiana today, assured a delegation of the people from nine villages, led by Ujjagar Singh Gill, that he would ensure that the state government was not allowed to forcibly acquire their land and if at all the land was needed to be acquired, it would be only with the consent of the local people and under the provisions of the new Land Acquisition Law.

The Union Minister disclosed that the farmers in nine villages were served acquisition notices under the old law passed in 1894. He said this was being done to deny the farmers the benefits of the new law. "I fail to understand how the government, claiming to be farmer-friendly, can deny the benefits under the new law to the farmers."

The minister claimed that if at all the land had to be acquired, it could only be acquired under the new law. He said under the new law, the government was bound to pay compensation to the farmers, which should be four times the prevailing market rate of the land in the area (compensation for the urban areas is double the prevailing market rate).

Besides, there must be consent of 80 per cent of the people whose land had to be acquired before the government could initiate the acquisition process.

Listing other benefits under the new acquisition law, Tewari said all affected families were entitled to a house, provided they had
been residing in the area for five years or more and had been displaced. If they chose not to accept the house, they had to be offered a one-time financial grant in lieu of the same, he said.

The Union Minister said all affected families had to be given a choice of annuity or employment and if employment was not forthcoming, they were entitled to a one-time grant of Rs 5 lakh per family.

Besides, he said they would have to be alternatively provided with an annuity payment of Rs 2,000 per month per family for 20 years, which would be adjusted for inflation, subsistence allowance of Rs 3,000 per month for a period of one year from the date of award and other benefits.

Ludhiana, November 24
For the benefit of city residents, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has prepared pamphlets carrying examples of how property tax can be calculated. MC officials say the pamphlets will be distributed among residents in all parts of the city in a phased manner and will come in handy for them while calculating the tax.

The MC had started its property tax recovery drive on October 2. Since this tax is based on a method of self-assessment, residents can calculate the amount they have to pay as property tax.

For easy payment of the tax and complete information regarding it, the residents can also log on to www.mcludhiana.gov.in. The residents can enquire about this tax and the calculation method through the helpline number 97800-22410. Those who file their tax returns before November 30 will get a rebate of 10 per cent. Those who file their returns up to December 31 will not get any rebate. After December 31, they will have to pay tax with a 25 per cent penalty and those who do not pay the tax by March 31 will be levied 50 per cent penalty along with 18 per cent interest.

Speaking to Ludhiana Tribune, MC Additional Commissioner Isha Kalia said the pamphlets had been printed to generate awareness among the city residents. “Some residents were complaining that they could not understand the formula. Our pamphlets now include examples of how the property tax can be calculated. We will distribute these pamphlets in all parts of the city in a phased manner and hope that residents file their returns before November 30 so that they can get a 10 per cent rebate,” she said.

Properties exempted from tax

Religious places, cremation grounds, cow sheds, historical buildings, registered charitable institutions, government schools and colleges, including government schools availing grant from the government, government hospitals and land being used for agriculture

Freedom fighters who are getting pension from the Centre or the state government

BPL families (having ID cards)

Widows will get an annual rebate of Rs 5,000 in their total property tax. The physically challenged (who get benefit under Section 80 U of the Income Tax Act - 1961) will also get a rebate of
Rs 5,000 in property tax

Ludhiana, November 24
City roads and highways have become dangerous, especially for pedestrians and those riding two-wheelers. What's more worrying is that while erring drivers often go scot free after furnishing bail bonds, the families of accident victims are at the receiving end.
The family of a 29-year-old man, who was hit by a bus on October 29, has been running from pillar to post for monetary help.

The accident victim is in a coma for nearly a month and an amount of Rs 3 lakh has been spent on his treatment. With a fresh bill of Rs 95,000 still pending, the family seems to have met a "dead end". The medicine charges of Rs 17,000 per day are an additional burden on the family.

Sukhwinder Singh (29), a labourer and resident of New Kuldeep Nagar at Basti Jodhewal, was hit by a bus while he was crossing a road.

The bus belonged to Jalandhar-based politicians. "The bus driver took my son to a hospital. It was only in the evening that we came to know about the accident and since then we have been spending money on the treatment, hoping that my son will be able to walk again," said Surjit Kaur, Sukhwinder's mother.

These are testing times for Simranjit Kaur, Sukhwinder Singh's wife. Besides juggling between home and hospital, she has to look after her six-month-old son. She is also making efforts to arrange money for the treatment.

"The driver involved in the mishap was let off after furnishing a bail bond. "What about us. What will we do. My husband is still on a ventilator and we have exhausted all our savings. I don't know what to do, hope is fading. I am worried about my husband," said Simranjit Kaur.

Kawaljit Kaur and Sukhdev Kaur, sisters of the victim, said the government should strictly implement the rules and bus drivers indulging in overspeeding should be challened and their driving licence confiscated.

Sukhwinder Singh is under treatment at the Christian Medical College and Hospital.

Ludhiana, November 24
Ludhiana City Bus Service Ltd (LCBSL) is all set to start two new routes from this week. The new routes are from Pakhowal Road to the bus stand and from the octroi post near Gill village to the bus stand.
Twenty-five new buses purchased by the LCBSL were hurriedly flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on November 15 and are yet to hit the road as the registration and routes of these are yet to be sanctioned by the transport authorities.

The new buses include five low-floor air-conditioned buses procured from Tata, 10 non-AC low-floor buses purchased from Ashok Leyland and 10 non-AC minibuses purchased from Isuzu.

In addition, the LCBSL has a fleet of 50 low-floor non-AC buses, which ply on four routes.

When the 25 buses were flagged off, these were brought straight from the company dealerships as the Deputy Chief Minister wanted to launch them on November 15 itself.

Speaking to Ludhiana Tribune, Isha Kalia, CEO, LCBSL, said the paper work pertaining to the new buses was under way and they were planning to start the two new routes this week.

Of the new buses, eight each will be deputed on the Pakhowal Road and Gill Road routes. The Pakhowal Road route will have two air-conditioned low-floor buses, four non-AC low-floor buses and two minibuses while the Gill Road route will have all minibuses, which will also ply in the internal areas alongside Gill Road.

Ludhiana, November 24
Three members of the notorious "free ride gang" today robbed an old woman of four gold bangles by sedating her in the Haibowal area here. The modus operandi of the gang is that it offers lift to elderly women and then rob them of cash and jewellery.
In her complaint, Reena Nayar, a resident of Jodhewal, said she had gone to attend the Sunday prayers at Ram Sharanam. On her way back home, two women and a man in a car offered her a lift.

She sat on the rear seat. Suddenly, they covered her face with a shawl after which she was sedated and robbed.

She reported the matter to the police following which a case was registered.

In another incident, two motorcycle-borne youths snatched a gold chain from a woman on the Jamalpur road here today. The woman, Seema, was on the way to a market when the youths struck. The youth riding pillion snatched the gold chain.

COMMUNITY

Reporters’ diary

All for a photograph in paper!

Sometimes, events are arranged just to catch the limelight and get their pictures published in the print media. Generally, the events like ‘shardhanjali’ programmes and even protests are organised just to pose before the shutterbugs. Recently, one such protest, organised by some NGO, against the rising inflation. By the time we reached the spot, people were dispersing. But the moment they realised we were from the press, everybody gathered around again and starting raising slogans against the government. Once the pictures were clicked they smilingly said, "Is it ok. Can we see the pictures now?" The protestors even selected the picture and asked us to publish the particular picture in the newspaper next day. I was confused, what was the purpose of holding the protest? In wake of getting publicity the real issue was ignored.”

That pink hut

The winters have set in. Everyone loves to have warm and cozy atmosphere at one's home. Every night, when I go back to home after my office hours, I come across a few huts near Sidhwan canal. Out of these, there is pink hut which fascinates me much. A few days ago, I stopped there to observe as what made that hut look pink. I observed that to give decorative look to the hut, the residents had wrapped a dark pink-coloured transparent sheet around the bulb, which added to its beauty. Perhaps, its occupants were unaware of the fact that their little decoration also made that dark roadside more attractive.

Smiling sentinels

Children, if encouraged, can be at their creative best. Recently, students of KVM School, City Branch, used waste materials to make ‘smiling’ flower pots, which now adorn the school garden. The pots, designed in shape of smiling sentinels sitting on stools, catch visitors' attention. One of the visitors was heard commenting: "Usually, flowers in bloom bring a smile on wan faces. These smiling sentinels, with their ‘flower-topped’ heads, turn the smile into a huge grin." She added: "Wish we keep encouraging our children to explore their creative selves, while teaching them to appreciate and value the beauty of nature!"

Politicians' claims

Politicians have the habit of making statements that will keep them in news. Many a time, politicians, belonging to different political parties, make diametrically opposed claims that leave the public confused about the ‘reality’ of the situation and the veracity of the claims. In this battle between the half-truths and quarter-truths, the role of media becomes pivotal. While making all the voices heard, the media has to keep aloft the values of fairness and impartiality. Unfortunately, the rat race to break stories sometimes keeps wrong people in news for wrong reasons, while the real issues
get obfuscated.

Ludhiana, November 24
Ludhiana city has the unenviable distinction of being the pollution capital of Punjab. The reasons behind this pollution are its vast industry, increasing number of vehicles, decreasing green cover, besides several other factors. The city residents feel that the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation is not doing enough to restore the green cover. Even the residents are to blame as they expect the MC to do this job on its own.

The Budha Nullah is the worst example of how polluted our city is, and its black water presents a sorry state of affairs. Though steps are taken to clean this water body, lack of will seems to be the reason why the state of Nullah remains the same. I was shocked when I visited the area where Nullah water joins the Sutlej. The MC as well as the residents should adopt certain areas of the city where massive plantation drive should be carried out.

— Harjasjeet Singh Kang, a farmer

Ludhiana is notoriously known worldwide as one of the most polluted cities of the world. Being a city resident, I personally feel that more trees should be planted. The MC should make sure once a tree is planted, it should be properly watered and taken care of. Merely planting a tree won’t solve any purpose but nurturing it would certainly help in a big way.

— Ravinder Singh
Ranguwal, a cultural activist

I live in Udham Singh Nagar and when I reach Bharat Nagar Chowk, I feel as if I have come to some other city. The pollution level in that part of the city is unbearable. The major contributors to the pollution are age-old vehicles, most of which are run by the MC itself. All such vehicles should be taken off the roads and all three-wheelers should be banned permanently because they not only lead to pollution but also cause traffic congestion.

— Jandeep Singh Toor,
a physical trainer

The MC should make sure that while installing interlocking tiles along the roads, no plants are damaged. I have seen that in some parts of the city, when interlocking tiles are installed, the plants are badly damaged. Increasing green cover is the only way to bring down the pollution level.

— Jyotmaninder Singh,
a student of MSc (Agronomy), PAU

Rather than merely criticising the government for everything, the residents should join hands and adopt parks and green belts so that the green cover can be maintained properly. Even the MC as well as other government departments should not run away from their responsibilities and make sure that all vehicles contributing to pollution are taken off the roads and the industry, which causes pollution, should be shut down. Only harsher steps would make such violators understand that though they are making money, they are also ruining the future generations.

— Col (retd) Jagdish Singh Brar, a social activist

Farmers should not indulge in burning of paddy straw, which is a major contributor to pollution in and around the city as well as other parts of the state. The forest cover around the city should be increased so that we can keep a check on the increasing pollution level.

Ludhiana, November 24
Tapping demand of children for fancy bicycles, the cycle industry is going innovative and is bringing varied innovations to cater to the changing demands of the consumers. According to the industrial sources, the number of standardised cycles being sold has gone down considerably while 55 to 60 per cent increase has been witnessed in the sale of children segment.

The consumer segment that is speedily getting bigger comprises children. This brings relief to cycle-makers as the affordability range is higher and there is more scope for innovations. Thanks to this segment, the loss in terms of volumes is covered up by the revenue inflow.

Testimony to the fact is that Avon cycles has recently launched "Chhota Bheem" series of bicycles. Onkar Singh Pahwa, managing director, Avon Cycles India, during the launch ceremony said the regular black or green bicycles dominated the market a few years ago and the customers ranged from workers and office-goers to school and college students. However, the customer profile has enormously changed. "It is the children segment that is growing and we are coming out with a large number of models with variations in colours, shapes, accessories, key features and the type of material used," said Pahwa.

To attract the young, there are all kinds of attractive colours to choose from: silver, golden, red, hot pink, turquoise, neon, fluorescent shades, etc. The same applies to designs that could have a K, R, Y or a diamond-shaped frame; raised handles, handles with elbow rest, bar ends; brakes with a side pull system; foam-padded saddles; wheels with plastic discs; and an in-built dress guard for ladies’ bikes.

"The Chinese bikes have failed to attract customers in India as they are not considered durable. A year ago, colourful Chinese bicycles had flooded Indian markets. But now, the customers prefer buying Indian over the Chinese bicycles when it comes to children segment," added Subhash Kumar, a shopkeeper at cycle market at Gill Road.

Another local cycle manufacturer said it is the children segment which is seeing an upward trend. “Children segment and sports and adventure segment is seeing an increase. Normal black-coloured bicycle is a passé and it is the attractive and colourful bicycle which has taken its place. There is lot of scope for innovation in the segment and the cycle market is tapping it to the best of its efforts," he added.

Ludhiana, November 24
Second Professor SB Khurana Memorial Oration was held today at the Dumra auditorium. Dr Shashank R Joshi, president of the Association of Physicians of India, delivered made a speech on the topic "Why are Indians prone to diabetes and how are they managed differently.''

Principal Dr Daljit Singh said, “We remember Dr Khurana as our ideal with everlasting affection and profound respect. His clinical acumen, teaching methods, sophistication and suaveness continue to form a cherished memory. He spoke on Dr SB Khurana as a doyen of the medical fraternity and eminent physician par excellence. The Second Prof S B Khurana Memorial Oration was held to commemorate the 75th birth anniversary of Dr Khurana and inspired young generation of doctors to tread on the path shown by him.

Chief Cardiologist and co-ordinator of the Hero DMC Heart Institute, Dr GS Wander, introduced the chief guest to the audience. In his message, Dr Wander said that Dr Shashank R Joshi is a very reputed Adult Endocrinologist and Diabetologist (Lilawati Hospital). He is a fellow of the American College of Endocrinology, American College of Physicians (the USA) and the fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Edin). He has more than 600 research publications to his credit and is visiting faculty to several Indian and international universities. He is president of the Indian Academy of Diabetes and president of the Association of Physicians of India.

Dr Shashank R Joshi delivered the oration ‘Why are Indians prone to diabetes and how are these managed differently.” To prevent diabetes, Dr Shashank said: “My mantra is simple i.e. eat less, eat right, eat on time, walk more, sleep well and on time, smile and be stress free”. We aim for India to be diabetic free capital and not being the diabetic capital of the world. On the occasion, wife of Late Dr SB Khurana, Dr Swaran Khurana, conferred Dr Joshi with the oration award.

On the occasion of the NCC Day, which is celebrated on the last Sunday of November, 165 cadets (boys and girls) of No. 4 Pb Air Sqn NCC, Ludhiana, took a pledge to fight against drugs, dowry and female foeticide, at SCD Government College. A singing competition was organised among the cadets and Cdt Sgt Ajit Singh of SCD Government College and Cdt Jagriti of the KCW won the competition for boys and girls, respectively.

Annual function

Drishti Dr RC Jain Innovative Senior Secondary Public School, Narangwal, Ludhiana, celebrated its seventh annual function "Ek Sur" November 24 in which the students from nursery to Class XII participated. Rajat Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, was the chief guest. The students presented a well-knit musical presentation "Ek Sur"-an ode to cooperation and teamwork. The kindergarten students began the programme with "Suswagatam" presentation. The students conveyed the message of "unity in diversity" and working in unison to create beauty.

Birth anniversary

Students, staff of GNI Senior Secondary School Public School, BRS Nagar, celebrated the 545th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Students from Class III to Class XII recited various poems, sakhis, shabad and also delivered lectures highlighting the teachings of Guru Nanak.

Extempore

Ram Lal Bhasin Public School organised an extempore and a quiz contest. The extempore contest was judged on the basis of pronunciation, confidence and intonation. Students of the junior wing participated in the quiz contest, while those of the senior wing participated in the extempore competition. Extempore results: 1. Mehak Arora of Class VIII, 2. Gurjeet Singh of Class X, 3. Sanmeet Singh of Class IX. Results of quiz contest: 1. Aaira Madan of Class V, 2. Anjali Goel of Class IV, 3. Harnoor Singh of Class III. The president of the school managing committee gave away the prizes to the winners.
— TNS

Ludhiana, November
24
Sonam Kalra of “The Sufi Gospel Project” was in the city on Saturday evening and performed to a full house at the Guru Nanak Dev
Bhawan. She brought together a fluid blend of musical traditions-Khusrau with Amazing Grace, Kabir’s dohas with Abide with Me and Bulleh Shah’s poetry intertwined with English and Gaelic texts.

Her ‘Sufi Gospel Project’ combines extremely diverse musical cultures to bring about a different experience. She says the idea to merge Sufi with gospel struck her when she was asked to sing at the birth centenary of the Sufi Hazrat Inayat Khan at the Inayat Khan Dargah in Delhi. She sang the amalgamation of gospel and Sufi. She had sung the gospel in churches before, but on an occasion such as this was a first for the listeners, too.

A Sufi song and a gospel hymn may seem far apart in tune, melody, and delivery to most, but Sonam Kalra differs on the subject. "The two songs essentially speak of the same emotion, of the same universal truth," she says. "Of course, it's a lot of work creating sounds that blend the two together but at the end of the day they are simply, music of the heart, which is why their coming together is so effortless,’ says
Komal.

Ludhiana, November 24
Sub-National round of Pulse Polio Campaign of the health department kicked off here today in the district. During the five-day long campaign, the pulse polio were administered to as many as 83,772 children by visiting 1,71,856 houses on the very first day. This is the fourth sub-national round of the year.

Disclosing this District Immunisation Officer, Ludhiana, Dr Sanjeev Hans said, “We have constituted 1,578 mobile teams and 3,156 volunteers are on job for administering these precious drops to children up to five years. There are 71 transit teams in the district who are administering the pulse polio drops to the children by holding special booths at public places like railway station, bus stands, temples, gurudwaras etc." The campaign is of five days in Ludhiana city and peri-urban areas of the city i.e. urban areas of Sahnewal, Sherpur, Dhandari and Koomkalan etc while in remaining towns and villages of the district, the campaign is of three days.

The district health department has a target of covering as many as 3,85,579 children by visiting 7,25,552 houses.

Ludhiana, November 24
Although many organisations keep raising their voice against anti-people policies of the government by holding dharnas and protests but the Progressive Writers Association (PWA), Ludhiana, unit voiced their grievances through "Kavi Darbar" here today at the Punjbai
Bhawan.

Khanna November 24
Bhagat Pooran Singh Social Welfare Society, a social organisation, with the help of some other social organisations organised a free medical check-up camp and blood donation camp at Model Town, Khanna, in the memory of ninth Sikh Guru, Teg Bahadar, for his sacrifice. During the camp, doctors of homoeopathy and physiotherapy, examined 228 patients.

Society president, Hardip Singh Benipal, said medicines were given to the patients free of charge. He also informed that 31 units of blood were donated by the volunteers. Ravinder Singh Dhillon, a social activist, said this time, the society is organising such camps specially for eye check-up in several areas with the help of the NRI’s and social organisations. During camp doctors of the Civil Hospital, Khanna, including Dr Kultar Singh Sandhu, Dr Promila Nehra, Dr Jasvir Kaur, Dr Harvinder Singh and staff of the Civil Hospital, Khanna, performed their duties during check-up camp.

Lord Mahavira Homoeopathy Medical College observed National Environment Awareness month here on Sunday under the leadership of Subhash Sondhi of Jeev-Jantu Paryavaran Sambhal Samiti and Harish Dua of the Lions Club. On the occasion, saplings were planted on the college campus. Dr Ravinder Kochhar, principal of the college, and District Forest Officer, Daljeet Singh, were also present there. Daljeet Singh Brar told students about importance of plants. He said the schools, colleges and institutes who need plants can get these free of any charge from the forest department.

‘Increase ticket counters’

Anti-Corruption Council of India has given some suggestions for the Ludhiana Railway Station here on Sunday. Dr Shiv K Gupta said reservation booking terminals should be increased; one counter must be reserved for senior citizens and ladies. He further said at least two counters for sale of general tickets should be started, one for ladies
another for men. — TNS

Ludhiana, November 24
A group of 60 young enthusiasts pedalled along the outskirts of the city to spread the benefits of cycling.
The event, “Ludhiana on cycle”, was organised today and the participants pedalled from Model Town to Falahi Sahib.

Manav Arora, one of the participants, said this was their maiden attempt to bring together the cycling enthusiasts and motivate them to pedal around to make the city cleaner and greener.

“We have decided to make it a regular feature. Every month we will be deciding a route and will be cycling all the way spreading the message of cycling towards better health and happiness. This month, it was a ride. Next month, we have decided to hold a race. The track will be finalised where cyclists will vie for winning," said Arora.

Ludhiana, November
24
Arogya Hospital, Jassiyan road, organised a mega obesity surgical camp here today.
Laparoscopy-surgeon-cum less metabolic surgeon, Dr Ashish Ohri, and his staff examined as many as 82 patients and treated them free of charge. The camp was inaugurated by the previous patients, who have already received treatment from the hospital.

However, a team of senior consultants from Ludhiana Mediways Hospital, organised a free multi-specialty medical check-up and awareness camp at Wadda Gurdwara,
Baddowal. About 200 patients were provided consultation and complete health screening
(ECG, blood sugar and BP) by a team of medical experts comprising Dr AP Singh, Dr Manish Garg and Dr Manisha Mittal
(gynaecologist). Patients were also screened for various eye ailments.

Free medicines were also distributed during the camp and patients were offered considerable concession on follow up treatment and investigations at Ludhiana Mediways Hospital.

Jagraon, November 24
The police drive against the drug peddlers active in the area received a major success when the officials of Criminal Investigation Agency (CIA) Jagraon reportedly busted a racket of drug peddlers and arrested five youths allegedly involved in the drug peddling. The police have seized 125 gm of heroin from the accused youths arrested in separate operations during the past 24 hours.

The accused have been identified as Kulwinder Singh, alias Rimpa, and Kulwinder Singh, alias Kala, both residents of Abupura village near Sidhwan Bet, Gagandeep Singh, alias Gagna, and Davinder Singh, alias Happy, both the residents of Kishanpura village in Moga district, and
Mandeep Singh of Ghamnewal village.

According to the police, all the five accused arrested by the different police teams during separate operations were linked to same racket of the drug peddlers. The estimated value of the seized heroin in the international market is around Rs 85 lakh, claimed the police.

Giving the details of the drug seizer during a press conference here today, the Jagraon CIA staff incharge, Inspector, Prem Singh, informed that the first accused Kulwinder Singh, alias Rimpa, was arrested near drain outside Mansihan Bajan village near Sidhwan Bet past night following a tip off.

In the meanwhile, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Jasmair Singh arrested another youth Kulwinder Singh, alias Kala, also a resident of Abupura village, from Ramghar Bhullar village near Jagraon. The police team seized 37 gm heroin from the accused, said Inspector Prem Singh.

"During the interrogation of both the accused, the police received leads about some other youths involved in drug peddling. On the basis of the information, given by them, we formed three different teams and arrested three more youths involved in drug peddling during separate raids conducted at various locations," said Inspector Prem Singh.

He further informed that a police team led by ASI, Manjit Singh, conducted a raid at Sherpur Khurd village from where it arrested Gagandeep Singh, alias Gagna, of Kishanpura village and seized 20 gm heroin from him. "A police team led by myself arrested Mandeep Singh of Ghamnewal village from Kotli village and seized 14 gm heroin from him whereas another police team led by ASI, Major Singh, arrested Davinder Singh, alias Happy, of Kishanpura village near Sidhwan Bet and seized 14 gram heroin from
him," he added.

The police have registered cases against all the five accused under the NDPS Act at different police stations and further investigation is on. Later on, all the accused were produced before a local court which awarded them two-day police remand.

SPORTS

Special Olympics

Children participate enthusiastically on Day 2
Our Sports Reporter

Special children take part in a 100m race during the 16th Punjab State Special Olympics at Guru Nanak Public School in Ludhiana. Tribune Photo: Himanshu Mahajan

Ludhiana, November 24
Special children were seen taking part in different regular and fun games enthusiastically on the second day of the three-day 16th Punjab State Special Olympics being held at Guru Nanak Public School, Sarabha Nagar, here today.

NCC cadets from the host school were helping these special players during the events. The mentally challenged participants from special schools from the state enjoyed every bit of the competition, unmindful of their win or loss.

Jagraon, November 24
The team of Jannayak Chaudhary Devi Lal National Cricket Club, Sirsa, beat the host team, Khanna Cricket Club, Jagraon, by six wickets to emerge victorious in the first Annual T-20 Cricket Tournament that concluded at Jagraon today. As many as 16 teams from across the region took part in the tournament organised by the United Cricket Club, Jagraon, on the ground of LRDAV College, Jagraon.

During the final match, the team of Khanna Cricket Club, Jagraon, elected to bat first after winning the toss. The Jagraon team could manage only 137 runs after the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. While chasing a moderate target of 138 runs, the visitors lost some early wickets to tight bowling by Jagraon bowlers.

However, the middle-order batsmen of Sirsa steadied the ship with some important partnerships. The visitors accomplished the target in style with a massive six to romp home victors in 16.2 overs with 5 wickets in hand. For Sirsa, Pawan Kumar made highest 41 runs, while Aashu and skipper Gagan Khanna took 2 wickets and 1 wickets, respectively, for Jagraon.

Pawan Kumar of Sirsa, who played a winning knock by contributing maximum 41 runs in just 28 bowls for his team, was declared the Man of the Match, while Jitesh Kumar of Sirsa team was declared the Man of the Series for his consistent good performances throughout the tournament.

The winning team was awarded with Rs 51,000, along with the trophy, while the runner-up was awarded with Rs 21,000. Jagraon Block Samiti chairman Didar Singh Malak was the chief guest during the prize-distribution ceremony. He distributed prizes among the winners.

Ludhiana, November 24
Nav Bharti Public School, Ludhiana, recorded victories in the junior and senior (boys) section in the matches played during the fourth week in the ongoing BFI-IMG Reliance Punjab Schools Basketball League-2013 held at Delhi Public School here today.

In the senior section, Nav Bharti Public School faced a little resistance from DAV Public School, Ludhiana, whom they outwitted 52-32. Harshveer of Nav Bharti Public School accounted for 18 points that helped his side to come out triumphant.

Similarly, in the junior section (boys), Nav Bharti Public School overpowered Delhi Public School easily (54-36) in which Sahil Sharma with 18 baskets played the pivot role.

Ludhiana, November 24
Participants from Patiala district who dominated yesterday and bagged seven out of the 12 gold medals, continued in the same fashion, grabbing all five titles, decided today in the Hero Punjab State Cycling Championship that concluded here on the Punjab Agricultural University campus
velodrome.